Summer in Tacoma means sunshine, backyard barbecues, and, unfortunately, ants. July is peak season for ant infestations in the Tacoma area, and it’s no coincidence. Warm temperatures and active households create the perfect environment for ants to invade your home.
If you’ve noticed a trail of ants in your kitchen or a pile of sawdust near the crawl space, you’re not alone. Ant problems are one of the most common pest issues we deal with in Tacoma every summer. But why July? And more importantly, how can you keep them out?
In this article, we’ll walk you through what attracts ants in July, the types of ants commonly found in Tacoma, and practical steps you can take for ant prevention and overall pest management.
Key Takeaways
- Ant activity peaks in July due to warm, dry conditions, and Tacoma homes become prime targets for ants searching for food and water.
- Ant infestations often signal broader pest problems, including moisture issues, stinging insects, and potential rodent activity.
- Effective ant prevention includes sealing entry points, managing moisture, and keeping food areas clean, especially around crawl spaces and kitchens.
- Working with a Tacoma pest control expert, such as PCI, ensures accurate identification and tailored pest solutions, with no contract required and a free quote available.
Why Are Ants a Problem in July?
Ants are most active in the warmer months. By July, the weather in Tacoma has usually settled into a warm, dry pattern. Ants take advantage of these conditions to forage for food and expand their colonies.
They’re also looking for water sources, which can make your kitchen or bathroom especially attractive. Even small drips under the sink or crumbs on the counter can be enough to attract them.
If you’re seeing them around your home, chances are they’re already well established nearby, and they’re sending scouts in to see what they can find.
Pest problems go beyond ants.
While ant infestations are common in July, they often signal other pest problems. Where ants find a way in, other pests can follow. Stinging insects like wasps and hornets become more aggressive in summer, and rodents may still be active from spring nesting.
Effective pest management involves considering the broader perspective. If your crawl space is damp or your siding has gaps, you could be inviting more than just ants. Regular inspections help identify these issues before they escalate into larger infestations.
The Most Common Ants in Tacoma
Several species are found in Tacoma, but a few cause the most issues for homeowners:
Odorous house ants
These tiny black ants give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They love sugary foods and often nest in wall voids or under floors.
Carpenter ants
These are larger ants that tunnel through damp wood to build their nests. Unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood, but they can still cause significant structural damage if left unchecked.
Sugar ants
A catch-all term often used to describe several small ant species attracted to sweets. They typically enter through small crevices around windows, doors, and crawl spaces.
What Attracts Ants to Your Home in July?
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Understanding what draws ants in is the first step toward effective ant control. Here are the most common attractants:
1. Accessible food sources
Unsealed food containers, dirty dishes, and pet food left out overnight are prime targets for ants. Even a sticky spill on the counter can set off a trail.
2. Moisture and water leaks
From leaky faucets to damp crawl spaces, ants seek out water sources during dry periods. Carpenter ants, in particular, thrive in moist, decaying wood.
3. Easy entry points
Cracks around windows, gaps in the foundation, and vents in the crawl space all serve as entry points. If you haven’t sealed them, ants will find them.
4. Nearby nests and outdoor attractants
Ant hills around your yard, firewood stacks near the foundation, and overgrown landscaping can all harbor active colonies close to your home.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations This Summer
Taking proactive steps now can help you avoid a full-blown infestation later.
Eliminate entry points
Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation, doors, and windows. Use weatherstripping and caulk where needed, especially around crawl space access points.
Keep food sealed and surfaces clean.
Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers. Don’t forget about trash bins and pet food areas.
Address moisture issues
Check under sinks, around appliances, and in the crawl space for leaks or dampness. Installing a vapor barrier or dehumidifier in the crawl space can help keep it dry and less inviting.
Use bait stations safely.
When placed appropriately, ant bait stations can reduce colonies at their source. These are often more effective than sprays, which only kill the foragers.
Incorporate overall pest management.
Even if ants are your primary concern, broader pest control strategies protect your home from future infestations. Our Tacoma pest control team also inspects for signs of rodents, cockroaches, and stinging insects, ensuring a comprehensive solution.
Work with local exterminators
A licensed pest control company, such as PCI, can identify the species, locate nests, and create a targeted treatment plan. In Tacoma, we see spikes in calls every July, and our team is trained to respond quickly and thoroughly.
Additional Summer Pest Concerns
Rodent control in warm months
Even though rodents are more active in the fall and winter, they don’t vanish in the summer. They often seek cooler, shaded areas, such as your crawl space or attic. PCI includes rodent control as part of our broader pest solutions for Tacoma homeowners.
Watch out for stinging insects.
Hornets, yellowjackets, and wasps ramp up their activity in July, often building nests near entryways, attics, or decks. Our team can remove nests safely and help prevent future issues.
Living Pest-Free in Washington State
Whether you’re in Tacoma, Puyallup, or Olympia, ant infestations are just one part of seasonal pest control needs across Washington State. Moist conditions, shaded landscapes, and dense foliage create ideal breeding grounds for pests. However, with the right strategies and professional support, you can keep your home pest-free throughout the year.
Get Your Free Quote Today
PCI Pest Control offers no-obligation evaluations to help you understand your pest control needs. Whether you’re dealing with ants, rodents, or stinging insects, we can create a customized plan that suits your home and budget. Contact us today for a complimentary quote and customized pest solutions that last.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, the infestation is too large or well-hidden for store-bought solutions to be effective. If ants keep returning despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At PCI Pest Control, we offer pest control services designed specifically for Tacoma homes, including eco-friendly options and no-contract treatment plans. Our experienced exterminators are licensed and trained to tackle ant problems at their source, whether it’s in your crawl space, kitchen, or somewhere in between.
Want help keeping your Tacoma home ant-free this summer? Let PCI Pest Control take a look. Our local team knows precisely what to watch for in July and how to stop ants at the source, without locking you into a contract. Contact us for a free quote and let our pest solutions work for you.
FAQs
What is the best way to prevent ants in Tacoma homes?
Seal cracks, clean up food sources, and eliminate moisture in areas like the kitchen and crawl space. If you see signs of infestation, act quickly before the colony grows.
Are carpenter ants dangerous?
They don’t pose a health risk, but they can damage wood structures in your home. If you see sawdust or hear rustling in the walls, contact a pest control expert.
Can ant bait stations work for all ant species?
Not always. Some ants prefer sweets, while others go for protein. Proper identification is key, which is why professional exterminators can save you time and money.
to walk you through your pest control plan.
